Sideways Braided Cable Hat (2 needles)

Cable is knitted separately then stitches are picked up from side of cable piece to complete the rest of the hat.

MATERIALS:2 Sized 9 straight needles, standard sized wool

Shortforms:
K=knit
P=pearl
C2B=slip 2 stitches onto the cable needle and hold behind the work
KFC=Knit from cable
C2F=slip 2 stitches onto the cable needle and hold in front of the work

Part 1: Braided Cable

                                                                                              Cast on 14 stitches

Row 1: K3, P1, K2, C2B, K2, KFC, P1, K3

Row 2: P3, K1, P6, K1, P3

Row 3: K3, P1, C2F, K2, KFC, K2, P1, K3

Row 4: P3, K1, P6, K1, P3

Repeat rows 1-4 until length is circumference of desired head

Part 2: Hat

• Turn the cabled piece sideways and pick up 96 evenly spaced stitches from the work
• Knit in stocking stitch (K1 row, P1 row) until work measures 5.5 inches from the beginning of the hat. 
• Decrease
• Row 1: K10, K2 tog (repeat to end)
• Row 2: P to end
• Row 3: K to end
• Row 4: P to end
• Row 5: K9, K2 tog (repeat to end)
• Row 6: P to end
• Row 7: K to end
• Row 8: P to end
• Row 9: K8, K2 tog (repeat to end)
• Row 10 (and all even rows): P to end 
• Row 11: K7, K2 tog (repeat to end)
• Row 13: K6, K2 tog (repeat to end)
• Row 15: K5, K2 tog (repeat to end)
• Row 17: K4, K2 tog (repeat to end)
• Row 19: K3, K2 tog (repeat to end)
• Row 21: K2, K2 tog (repeat to end)
• Row 23: K1, K2 tog (repeat to end)
  ***continue to K1, K2 tog until only 4 stitches remain on the needle
• Cast off 4 stitches
• Sew the hat inside out to finish the hat

Notes:
When I made this hat, I did the rows of knitting and pearling between all rows until K6, K2 tog and I wish I hadn't, as the hat was too long and seemed weird in this spot. I have modified the pattern therefore, but suggest playing with the rows based on the size of the head and the fit that you desire.